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Nicotine's Negative Effect on Heart Health

Smoking is a widely recognized risk factor for heart disease. But new research shows that nicotine itself can damage blood vessels. Further research might question the benefit of smoking cessation aids that contain nicotine, such as gum and patches.

A component of cigarette smoke, nicotine itself can contribute to heart disease, according to research from Brown University in Providence, R.I.

Cigarette smoke famously harms every organ in the body. That's why a number of smoking cessation aids, such as gums or sprays, focus on eliminating the smoke while providing the nicotine fix that a person trying to quit might need on a particularly bad day.

But these findings findings, which will be presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society (BPS), suggest that nicotine, no matter how it’s delivered, can damage blood vessels.

In short, nicotine modifies cell structure in a way that facilitates migration and invasion of cells that line the blood vessels. This enables a change in structures called podosomes, which lead to poor vessels and can cause the formation of plaque.

Over time, plaque that’s built up can cause the arteries to harden, a form of heart disease called atherosclerosis. It can also block blood flow to the heart or brain, keeping oxygen from reaching those organs and causing heart attack or stroke.

“The finding that nicotine is as effective as cigarette smoke in enhancing cellular structural changes … suggests that replacing cigarette smoking by nicotine treatment may have limited beneficial effects on atherosclerosis," says Chi-Ming Hai, PhD, lead researcher and professor at Brown University.

How to Beat Nicotine Cravings

Nicotine is highly addictive. Withdrawal can result in intense cravings that bring out feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, nervousness, and even panic. It can make it tough to focus or sleep.

In the midst of a craving, remind yourself that they come in go, and this one will pass. In the meantime, here are some things you can try:

Go for a walk. Sometimes a chance of scenery can help.

Hit the gym. Exercise reduces cravings. It can also relieve some of the stress you’re feeling, and you’ll feel less guilty about that extra chocolate-chip cookie.

Pop a hard candy in your mouth. It can help with the urge to put a cigarette to your lips. (Just make sure it’s not a flavor you associated with smoking.)